A facility built in memory and in hope
Hi there, friend.
When Doyle Turner passed away in 2021, his partner and best friend Paul Benson thought that their dream of opening Benson and Turner Foods had passed with him. Based on the White Earth Reservation in northwestern Minnesota, the two had hoped to improve the availability of local meat to the surrounding rural and First-Nation communities, make processing more accessible to small producers in the area, and ultimately give the local economy a boost.
“Everything went upside down. I lost my business partner and my best friend,” Paul shared with us. “That was rough. Very, very rough.”
But an opportunity arose when Paul's sister Mary came across a USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. It was a chance for Mary and Paul to honor Doyle's legacy and create a hub for the community - "from which spokes could grow.”
We’ll let Paul and Mary tell you the rest:
Credit to rural-based Bluestem Films in Faribault, MN
Through grief, the Benson and Turner families catalyzed their loss into a positive force for their community and economy. Across rural America, you’ll find similar stories of neighbors turning to neighbors and honoring legacy, memory, and love.
May we all find the perseverance to meet challenges with similar grace, and commit to the places where we live, raise our families, and contribute back to the people around us.
If you have a story to tell of local resilience, our team at Resource Rural would love to work with you. Our lines are open, and you can always share an idea with us here.
In Gratitude,
Resource Rural
PS. You can read more about the Benson and Turner story here, one of many stories of rural resilience from partners across the country.